Last Week at School

Preschool graduates!

Top students

I can't believe that it has arrived so quickly. After the Hari Raya holidays, the time seems to have gone very quickly. This week I have been mostly watching rehearsals and prize giving's and listening to long speeches in Malay. I also went to the opening of a "new" library, not to mention eating many makans and saying farewell to the teachers in five different schools.The new trend is making the pupils dress up in gowns and mortar boards which is quite cute but on the other hand rather nauseating and I'm quite sure has come from watching too many TV series! I do regret that our children in the French system never had any celebration or marking the event of passing from one stage of schooling to another so perhaps it is a good thing.

A young dancer

This morning I was giving out report cards and asking the parents to "sign here" in my best Malay and last night I won the most glamorous person at the end of year dinner! I'm not known for my glamour but I wore a silk kabia (traditional Malay costume) and they obviously appreciated my efforts - although I got 0/10 for make-up! I feel sad in many ways as I am so fond of many of the teachers and the Year 6's who will be leaving. There is always that mixture of longing for the holidays and yet regret in saying farewell although I do remember some years at school being very glad to say goodbye to some classes! Anyway today is the last day and most of the children will go home early and the teachers will be having meetings. I will be trying to get organised for leaving my house on Monday morning and also spending the weekend in Tambunan celebrating Anne's 50th birthday by rafting down a river!

The rice is nearly all planted